VID 2018 Endorsements

VID Endorses Gillibrand, Nadler and Maloney, at the February 8th meeting. The primary for these Federal offices will be on June 26th, with petitioning starting March 6th and a kick-off breakfast on March 3rd at VID headquarters, 26 Perry St., from 10:00 am to Noon. Congressman Nadler will join us at 10:30am.

Suraj Patel candidate for 12th Congress

The membership listened to three candidate representatives and one candidate. The seat most contested was the 12th Congressional District where Carolyn Maloney is the incumbent. Challenigng her are Sander Hicks and Suraj Patel. Ballotpedia provides some comparative background on Congresswoman Maloney and Suraj Patel.

On February 13th New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) hosted two public webinars to provide an overview of the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan

….and the next steps that New York State will take to advance offshore wind energy development. To spur the development of renewable resources, Governor Cuomo announced in his 2018 State of the State address that the state will issue solicitations in 2018 and in 2019 for a combined total of at least 800 megawatts of offshore wind power. You can read and download the 53-page comprehensive Offshore Wind Master Plan here.

Introduction to the New York State Offshore Wind Master Plan

In light of the Clean Energy Standard mandate, and recognizing the enormous potential renewable energy resource that exists off of its Atlantic coast, New York has set its sights squarely on offshore wind energy as a key component of the State’s clean energy strategy. Governor Cuomo directed the State to engage community members, environmental advocates, and government partners at all levels to create the New York Offshore Wind Master Plan.2 Then, as part of his 2017 State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo set a nation-leading offshore wind energy development goal of 2,400 MW by 2030, enough to power up to 1.2 million New York households.

Taking the first step to reach this goal, Governor Cuomo, in his 2018 State of the State Address, called for the procurement of at least 800 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power between two solicitations to be issued in 2018 and 2019. In addition, Governor Cuomo directed NYSERDA to invest $15 million in clean energy workforce development and infrastructure advancement to train workers for jobs in this good-paying industry, including offshore wind construction, installation, operation, maintenance, design, and associated infrastructure. After two years of in-depth research, analysis, and outreach, New York State presents its Offshore Wind Master Plan (Master Plan)—the most comprehensive offshore wind planning process to be undertaken by any state, which charts a course toward achievement of the State’s bold offshore wind energy objectives.

At the February 8th General Meeting VID voted unanimously to support legal status for Ravi Ragbir, as introduced by District Leader Keen Berger. Many VID Members participated in a rally on his behalf on Jan. 25th.

Following is the resolution supporting Ravi Ragbir which can also be downloaded here.

WHEREAS Ravi Ragbir was convicted of wire fraud 18 years ago, served time, and paid his “debt to society”;

WHEREAS he was a legal immigrant with a green card which was negated because of his conviction,

WHEREAS he has gone to every check-in and otherwise complied with e everything required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as married and become an exemplary member of the community, and

WHEREAS Ravi was without notice detained, jailed and sent to Florida to be deported, without a fair hearing, and without regard for a balance of the equities since he has followed all requirements and, but for the one mistake, has lived without repeating that error, and has become a community leader and a leading force in the New Sanctuary Movement,

WHEREAS District Judge Katherine Forrest has determined that his current detention is unmerited and ordered Ravi Ragbir let out of detention, yet he still faces the possibility of deportation on February 10;

WHEREAS Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez has proposed and submitted a special bill (HR4937) which would give Ravi Ragbir permanent legal status in the United States as a valuable member of our community;

THEREFORE the Village Independent Democrats endorses and supports HR4937 and calls upon the House of Representatives to enact this bill, grant Ravi Ragbir permanent legal status and prevent his deportation now or in the future.

The start of the New Year was all about standing up and being counted…

Throughout Manhattan VID Members and friends gathered to support progressive agendas. At the January 11 General Meeting, Erik Coler got the ball rolling on standing up and being counted by introducing his newest idea – posting anti-Trump fliers in coffee shops to stimulate membership in VID. [Meeting Minutes Here]

NYS Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli

This meeting also hosted NYS Comptroller Tom DeNapoli who regaled the club with a speech congratulating Jerry Nadler, Brad Hoylman, Deborah Glick, and others. He complimented the VID holiday party and spoke of the intricacies of the comptroller’s office and the financial soundness of the city, then took questions about prison reform, Medicaid and nursing homes.

On the Immigration front, Keen Berger and Erik Bottcher reported on the demonstration for Ravi Ragbir, head of the New Sanctuary Coalition. Erik Bottcher spoke about the rally, which was attended by Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and during which two Councilmembers, Jumaane Williams and Ydanis Rodriguez, were arrested. Keen also mentioned Jean Montreal, who also is in danger of deportation.

The Environmental Committee met on January 19th. Nat Johnson, Chair of the committee, reported that the Trump administration was undermining EPA regulations, which required public hearings, not being held in New York. He urged members to register objections at the EPA website. The night before they had met with the Manhattan Solid Waste Management organization.